Ricardo Soares: «We set an example of promoting football in Portugal»
Gil Vicente’s coach, Ricardo Soares, in the press room of Estádio Cidade de Barcelos, after the 3-0 triumph against Tondela:
[Sorriso e banho de água dado pelos jogadores na sala de imprensa] It has tremendous significance, we have to be aware of what has been done. I really have to address my fans who were incredible, with exemplary posture and behavior when things didn’t go well. I made a challenge to have a full stadium, thanks to the fans. To the structure, to the president and I must highlight Tiago Lenho [diretor desportivo] who was very close to us and gave that serenity and confidence that is needed at times. We coaches are very lonely and he never left me alone. special moments too. To the various departments of the club, all of them rowing in the same direction. I’ll try not to get too upset. There is a unique human value here. From the wardrobes, to the communication department, I don’t want to forget anyone. To my technical team, sometimes it is not easy to deal with me, they are extraordinary, competent and great human beings.
The players: from day one I felt it was going to be a special season. I am very grateful to them, often because my leadership is sometimes very emotional and it is difficult for the players to deal with me here or there, but they know that I give everything for them. We believe this. On the sixth day, in this same room, I said that we would fight for Europe. I felt that a family and the club provide all the conditions. We are aware that we will go down in Gil’s history as the first to reach Europe. I am grateful to be here, to those who gave me the opportunity and to have such special people by my side.
[Pode igualar o recorde de 53 pontos na próxima jornada] It’s not that I’m looking for records, I was looking for other things. Before the season began, if I wrote goals, I would say what I could write best of all. The club was valued immensely. The Gil Vicente brand is strong, a way of being. Engaging football, without gimmicks, we set an example of football promotion in Portugal. We idealized a great team game and delivered that feat. It’s not easy to play as a big team and my players deserve all the praise. We dreamed and things happened. My role of training many individuals, many hours, is a way of working. I’m sure they went home upset many times, but today they are better players, Gil is a better team.”